Wild Turkey
Image: veveordie (cc-by-nc)
NameWild Turkey
Common NameWild Turkey
Scientific NameMeleagris gallopavo
FamilyPhasianidae
Wingspan (cm)135
Length (cm)110
Weight (g)7000
Plumage DetailsPlumage is generally dark, iridescent bronze-green to copper, with barred tail feathers. Males have a prominent 'beard' of coarse bristles on the chest. The head and neck are largely featherless, displaying red, white, and blue coloration that changes with excitement.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive 'gobble' call, primarily by males, used to attract mates. Other vocalizations include clucks, purrs, yelps, and putts, used for communication within flocks.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, agricultural land, shrubland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to North America, found across much of the eastern, central, and southwestern United States, as well as parts of southern Canada and northern Mexico.
Identifying Featureslarge size, dark iridescent plumage, bare, colorful head and neck, fan-shaped tail, distinctive gobble call (males), long legs
Description
The Wild Turkey is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to North America, characterized by its dark, iridescent plumage and bare, warty head and neck. It is often found foraging in forests and woodlands, even in snowy conditions, using its strong legs to navigate the terrain and its keen senses to find food.
